Lighting fixture for passenger vehicles



Feb. 8, 1949.

Filed Sept. 2s, 1944 L. SCHEPMOES LIGHTING FIXTURE FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR (mane Y JCIIEPMOE;

ATTORN 5 Feb. 8, 1949. 1.. SCHEPMOES LIGHTING FIXTURE FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES Filed Sept. 25, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 VM QN Patented Feb. 8,1949

LIGHTING FIXTURE VEHICL Fon PASSENGER- Lindsley Scbepmoes, New Haven, Conn., assignor to The Safety Car Heating and Lighting Company, Inc., a corporation of Delaware Application September 23, 1944, Serial No. 555,519

9 Claims. (Cl. 240-71) This invention relates to a lighting fixture for a passenger vehicle.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a lighting fixture for a passenger vehicle,

such as a railway car, for example, which is simple, inexpensive and sturdy in construction, while at the same time having aesthetic characteristics consistent with the requisites of the car interior decoration. Another object is to provide a fluorescent lighting fixture of the above nature adapted to be incorporated as part of a baggage rack mounted on a wall of the vehicle. Another object is to provide a fixture of the above nature which is sufiiciently sturdy to withstand vibration resulting from operation of the vehicle as well as normal usage over extended periods of time, without the necessity of replacement or repair. Another object is to provide a fixture of the above nature by which light emission can be distributed and controlled in such a manner as to obtain sufilcient and efllcient illumination where desired without, however, causing undesirable glare in the region of passenger seats underlying the fixture. Another object is to'provide a combined lighting fixture and bag rack in which the fixture is similar in appearance to other portions of the bag rack, and in which the amount of light emission from the fixture in the region of each underlying passenger seat may be determined by the person seated therein. Other objects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. h l m The invention accordingly consists in theifeatures of construction, combinations of. elements, and arrangements of parts as will be exemplified in the structure to be hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the drawing, in which is shown one form of my invention, I Figure 1 is a fragmentary elevation of a'portion of one interior side of a railway carin which my combined lighting fixture and bagflra'ck is installed;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevation taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a substantially enlarged vertical section taken along the line 3-3 of'Figure 4: and, Figure 4 is a section on a still larger scale taken along the line 44 of Figure 3.

Similar reference character's'refer to, similar parts throughout the various views of the drawing.

The ever-widening use of flourescent tubes in vehicle lighting gives rise to problems not en-' 2 countered in the use of conventional light bulbs. By reason of the substantial length of the fiourescent tubes, ordinary fixtures for the housing thereof are unsatisfactory as they are often unsightly and in other cases incapable of utilizing the full efilciency of the tubes. Unless properly housed and shielded, bothersomeglare is apt to result, and at the same time the light emission from the tubes is not distributed in the areas where it is most desirable as, for example, in the reading plane of the passenger seat.

It is accordingly often desirable to combine the fluorescent lighting fixture with the bag rack over the passenger seats in such a manner as to provide proper illumination throughout desired areas, render the fixture readily accessible to the passengers for control thereof, and at the same time harmonize the fixture with the decoration motif of the car. It is another object of this invention to provide a fluorescent lighting fixture which attains these ends, and at the same time obviate the above-noted difilculties.

In Figures 1 and 2 is shown a conventional day coach having a side wall Ill provided with a window ll, pairs of seats S1 and S: and a bagv rack generally indicated at II, in which is incorporated at regularly spaced intervals my lighting fixture, generally indicated at l3. As will be described in detail hereinafter, fixture I3 is so arranged as to provide transverse light distributions or zones D1 and D: (Figure 2), and longitudinal light distributions or zones Z1 and Z2 (Figure 1), the zones D thus providing lateral or transverse illuminations for seats S1 and S2, re-

spectively, while the zones Z1 and 22 provide longitudinal areas of illumination in the reading planes of the seats.

Bag rack l2 has for its main support a longitudinal strip or bracket I4 (see Figure 3), the upper edge of which has a flange 15 which may be fastened to the side wall ill of the car-as by screws l6. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, bag rack l2 comprises parallel spaced rails l1, as well as fixtures l3, the rails and fixtures being substantially identical in general appearance and being secured to bracket M in a manner that will be described, so as to extend angularly upwardly therefrom (see Figure 3) thus to provide a sup.- port for the reception of bags, packages and the like. The rails are separated from one another and from fixtures IS a suitable amount, thus to provide spaces between the several parts sulficient to permit the} passenger to determine whether or not there'is any baggage in the raclr.

In so far as the of rails l1 and fixtures I3 is concerned, these parts are all identical and accordingly the de-' scription following will be directed to the flxtures only. Thus, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing or supporting structure. of fixture It includes an inner end plate generally indicated at ll having a back flange I! which is fastened to bracket H by screws 20. End plate II also includes outwardly extending side walls 2| andchannel 21 (Figure 4), the top wall 22 of which forms a portion of the bag racks supporting surface, the downwardly extending sides 22 and 30 of channel 21 being secured in any suitable manner as, for example, by spot welding, to the-side walls 2| and 22, respectively, of end plate It and side walls 25, respectively, of end plate 24. To the end plates 24 of each of fixtures l2 and rails I! (Figure 3) is fastened, as by screws Ii, a finishing strip 22 which renders the entire structure rigid and maintains the spacing between the rails and fixtures.

It may now be seen that the inverted channel 21 provides a fixture housing. Fastened to the under side of channel top wall 24 (Figure 3) are a number of socket supporting straps l2 having downwardly depending legs 24 and 25 (Figure 4). To these legs are respectively fastened fluorescent tube sockets l4 and 31 which carry parallel fluorescent tubes 38 and 29. Also fastened to the under side of channel top wall 22 is an arcuate reflector which curves over the tubes 24 and 29 from one side of the fixture to the other. As shown in Figure 3, reflector 44 is slightly longer than the light emitting portion of tube 29. It will now appear that fixture I3 is provided with two groups or pairs of fluorescent tubes, the tubes of each pair being parallel and corresponding tubes of different groups being coaxially aligned.

Each of the fluorescent tubes is under the control of an individual switch. Thus as is shown in Figure 4, tube 38 is controlled by a switch 4|. while tube 39 is controlled by a switch 42, these switches being supported by flange or plate 23 of end wall ll. Each of the switches also has a knurled operating knob 43 which extends through the bottom of the fixture so as to be readily accessible to the undersitting passenger. J Similarly, the fluorescent, tubes at the outer end of the fixture (see Figure 3) are also individually pro vided with switches 44 carried by bottom flange 24 of end plate 24 and having accessible operating knobs 45. As is shown in Figure 2, the fluorescent tubes in fixture l3, or rather theoperating knobs 42 and 45 of their switches, are readily accessible to passengers seated inseats S1 or S: or both for individual control of the tubes as desired. Thus it is possible for a passenger sitting in seat S2, for example; to control the intensity of illumination in transverse zone D2 and longitudinal zones Z1 and Z2 (Figure 1), i. e; he may turn oil. the tubes under control of switch knobs 45 (Figure 2) so as to efiect relative darkness in the area of his seat, or may select either zone Z1 or Z: (Figure 1) for illumination without, however, affecting in any way'the illumination of seat Si. As noted hereinabove, it is also desirable properly to distribute the light, 1. e. to provide the essential supporting structure zoned illumination hereinbefore referred to. To this end, and with reference to Figures 3 and 4, each pair of fluorescent tubes, for example, tubes 2| and 29 (Figure 4) is provided with an underlying lens, generally indicated at 48, preferably comprising a pair of angularly related double convex portions 41 and 48. Thus the fixture includes two of these lenses 4! which underlie respectively the pairs of fluorescent tubes, and the double convex portions 41 and 48 (Figure 4) of lens 48 effect the longitudinal distribution of light in zones Z1 and Z2 (Figure 1). Lens 46 (Figure 4) may be supported in the fixture in any suitable manner, but preferably it is provided with opposed edges 49 and ill which are held against feet 8| and 52, respectively, formed along the opposite edges of reflector 40. The lens is held in this position by a generally 'U-shaped canopy indicated at 83, the sides 54 and 55 of which are respectively secured to sides 29 and ll of channel 21 as by detents 54 which extend through suitable holes in the canopy sides. The bottom of canopy B2 is preferably arcuate, and is provided with cutouts 51 and 58 (Figure 3) which underlie, respectively, the .pairs of fluorescent tubes 38 and 29. The opposite ends of the bottom of canopy 53 are provided with holes (not shown) through which the switch operating knobs 43 and 45 extend; The center portion 59 of the bottom of the canopy is of sufllcient length to effect separation of the zones of illumination Zr and Z: in Figure 1.

Further to eflect the separation of the light into zones D1 and D: (Figure 2), groups of louvers l4 and II (Figure 3) are provided. adjacent cutouts l1 and 58, respectively. Louvers 80 are parallel and lie in planes which are preferably substantially normal to the axes of the overlying fluorescent tubes and, as shown in Figure 4, rest on the upper surface of lens 48, in which position they are secured in any suitable manner. Louvers ll (Figure 3), however, while parallel lie in planes which are angularly related to the planes of louvers ll, the angle being such as to direct the light into the area of zone D: (Figure 2) Louvers 84 (Figure 3) of course, direct the light into the area of zone D1.

' It may now be seen that the light emission from each pair'of fluorescent tubes is controllable as to intensity, and also, to a certain extent, as to distribution. For example, either or both of tubes 28 and 29 (Figure!) may be turned on or oil through the manipulation of switch knobs 43 by the passenger seated in seat S1 (Figure 2). Thus he can control the light intensity-in zone D1 and can select for illumination either of zones 21 or Z:

' (Figure 1), or both, as desired, thereby controlare, of course, provided with the usual starting auxiliaries and ballast, and I have generally indicated this equipment at 62 (Figure 4), the equipment being supported in one of the rails l1 adjacent fixture 13, the necessary wiring extending from the fixture to the equipment 62 in the manner shown in Figure 3. Thus the wiring 64 may extend through suitable cutouts in end plate in the flxture. Thus similarity of appearance is attained between the rails and flxture.

Thus I have provided a lighting fixture which attains the several objects set forth hereinabove in a thoroughly practical and eilicient manner.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the above invention and as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing is to be interpreted as illustrativev and not in a limting sense.

I claim:

1. In lighting fixture construction, in combination, an elongated inverted channel, a plurality of groups of fluorescent tubes in end to end relation mounted in said channel, a canopy fastened to the bottom of said channel and having cutout portions underlying each group of tubes, an elongated lens for each group of tubes disposed between its tube group and the adjacent canopy opening, said lens having a plurality of light direction controlling portions equal in number to the tubes in said group, said portions being angularly disposed relative to one another so as to form separate elongated beams of light radiating transversely of the axes of said tubes.

2. A lighting fixture for use in railway cars or the like comprising, a bracket member adapted to be attached to a car wall, an elongated inverted channel member attached to said bracket member and having a substantially flat top wall with a pair of downwardly disposed side walls along its sides, a pair of downwardly-concave elongated reflectors mounted within said channel member and spaced longitudinally thereof to provide two reflector zones spaced along the channel member, bracket means positioned at the respective ends of said reflectors and mounted on said channel member to provide support for and the electrical connections to fluorescent tubes positioned adjacent said reflectors, a pair of lens members positioned respectively beneath said reflectors substantially coextensive therewith each of the lens members being trough-like and having two angularly disposed portions which direct light generally downwardly in two distinct rays, and a cover member snugly embracing the side-wall portions of said channel member and said lens members with there being cutout portions through said cover member for the emanation of light from said lens members.

3. A lighting fixture for use in railway cars or the like comprising, a bracket member adapted to be attached to a car wall, an elongated inverted channel member attached to said bracket member and having a substantially fiat top wall with a pair of downwardly disposed side walls along its edges, a pair of downwardly-concave elongated reflectors mounted within said channel member and spaced longitudinally thereof to provide two reflector zones spaced along the channel member, bracket-connector means mounted on said channel member to provide support for and the electrical connections to illuminator tubes positioned adjacent said reflectors, a pair of lens members positioned respectively beneath said reflectors substantially coextensive therewith ,each of the lens members being trough-like and having two angularly disposed portions which direct light generally downwardly in two distinct rays, a plurality of louvers disposed in two groups which groups are associated respectively with said lens members and with the louvers of each group being positioned in substantially parallel relationship whereby light emanation through the lens members is directed in specific zones, and a cover member snugly embracing the side-wall portions oi said channel member and said lens members with there being cut-out portions through said cover member for the emanation of light from said lens members.

4. A lighting fixture as described in claim 3 wherein two illuminator tubes are positioned in spaced parallel relationship along each .of said reflectors with each tube directing light through one of said portions of the associated lens member.

5. A lighting fixture as described in claim- 3 wherein an individual switch is provided for each of said tubes and wherein the louvers in the group furthest from said bracket member are angularly disposed so as to direct the light in a generally downwardly direction and away from the wall to which the bracket member is attached.

6. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein a plurality of groups of parallel louvers are provided with the groups associated respectively with the tubes and with the louvers of each group be ing angularly disposed with respect to certain other of the louvers, whereby the light emanation from the tubes is zoned longitudinally thereof.

7. In railway car construction, the combination of a plurality of parallel horizontal rail members each secured at one end to the car wall and pro- Jecting outwardly therefrom with the space between each rail member and the next being substantially less than the width of the rail members so as to form a baggage rack; each of said rail members including, an elongated inverted channel member having a top flat wall and downwardly depending side walls, and a cover member snugly embracing the side walls of the channel member and extending across the bottom thereof, and one of said rail members having an opening in its cover member; a longitudinal rail member extending parallel to the said car wall and along the ends of said parallel rail members opposite to said car wall and attached to said parallel rail members; and lighting fixture means mounted within the rail member having an opening therein and comprising, a downwardly'concave elongated reflector, and a trough-like lens member positionedbeneath said reflector and providing space for an elongated illuminator tube.

8. In railway car construction, the combination of a baggage rack construction formed by a plurality of parallel horizontal rail members each of which is secured at one end to the car wall and projects outwardly therefrom with the space between each rail member and the next being substantially less than the width of the rail members, and a longitudinal rail member extending parallel to said car wall and attached to the ends of said parallel rail members which are remote from said car wall; each of said rail members including, an elongated inverted channel member having a flat top wall and downwardly depending side walls, a bottom cover member having a bottom wall covering the open bottom of said channel member and having side walls which telescope snugly with the side walls of said channel member, one of said rail members having one or more openings in the bottom wall of its cover member; and a light fixture assembly mounted within the rail member having an opening or openings in its bottom wall comprising, a plurality of end brackets which are adapted to cooperate and receive a plurality of elongated illuminators in the space therebetween,

reflector means extending along the top of said space and being adapted to reflect. light rays downwardly, and lens means positioned beneath said space and covering said opening or openings "in the bottom wall of the cover member.

' 9. In a lighting fixture of the-character described, the combination of, an elongated ina 1 channel member having a top wall and a pair of downwardly disposed parallel sidewalls along its sides, reflector-means mounted within "said channel member and fixed to saidtopwall flle of this patent;

and providing a plurality of downwardly-concave 'reiiector surfaces, said reflector-means havingedge portions which extend parallel to and adja- -cent said side walls, a plurality or brackets mounted on said top wall and positioned respectively at each end of each of the spaces directly b'eneath said reflector surfaces thereby to provide -mounting means for elongated illuminators positioned adjacent said reflector surfaces, lens means positioned beneath each of the spaces for illumeans having side edges which engage the side edge portions of said reflector means thereby to hold the lens means in spaced relationship, and

Eminators to direct light rays therefrom, said lens a cover member having a cover wall which frames said lens means and overlaps the edges of said lens means so as to provide support therefor, said cover member having integral side walls which telescope with the respective side walls oi said channel member. LINDBLEY SCHEPMOES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the UNITED STATES PATENTS Zimmerman Apr. 3, 1945 

